The 11th annual Santa Brigade Breakfast and Market in Strasburg is coming up November 10th, and it is hosted by the Strasburg Community Action Network. Justin Krile is a part of the breakfast, and says that attendance has fluctuated every year, but they always get a good showing.

Typically, Krile says that the breakfast will go through 200 pounds off sausage. Because of the large amount of sausage sold, preparation can start as early as 1 in the morning.

There is also a Christmas Market included with the breakfast to help people get an early jump start on the holiday season. More importantly however, it helps fund raise for the Strasburg Community Action Network.

Angie Edwards with the Strasburg Community Action Network on what the money raised goes towards.

The breakfast runs from 6 to 11 in the morning at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Coming up on November 15th, Taylorville Public Library is encouraging families to get out of the house for a night, and read. It is in honor of Illinois’ annual Family Reading Night. Assistant Librarian, Jessica Green, says that it is her first year in charge of Family Reading Night but she is looking forward to the community coming together.

Green also explains all of the different activities taking place at Family Reading Night.

All events are open to the public, and the event starts at 6:30 in the afternoon.

Recently, the Taylorville Award Program selected the Wooden Flower as the recipient for the 2018 Best of Taylorville Award in the Gift Shop Category. Twyla Helms, owner of the Wooden Flower, says that she had no idea she was up for the award in the first place.

When she first found out, Helms says that she was nothing but surprised about the honor.

As far as her impact on the local community, Helms says that she wants people to know that they can always depend on her.

The Taylorville Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses within the community.

With election day right around the corner many are keeping close eyes on Washington to see who will be staying and who will be going.

Jim Bohannon, host of the Jim Bohannon show airing weeknights on Newstalk WTIM at 9, says he is paying particular attention to see if Nancy Pelosi gets the Speaker of the House which would give the Democrats the majority.

Bohannon knows that keeping the House will be a challenge for the Republicans, but he sees them keeping the Senate to go back to a divided Congress.

Congressman Rodney Davis had the opportunity to be in Murphysboro for the Donald Trump Rally.

Davis says he will always welcome the President of the United States to Illinois, and being there with Trump and having the opportunity to participate in this rally was something he never imagined he would have the opportunity to do.

The Opioid Bill Trump recently signed will bring some relief and assistance to Christian County residents. Davis says sometimes it is difficult to put the ideas into action to get residents the help they need, but Illinois will be receiving $43 million to fight opioid abuse.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about the new Faith Bible Christian Academy in Rosamond, during their weekly luncheon Tuesday.

Caleb Wheeler, principal at the school for pre-schooler’s thru 12th grade students, told the club that it started in August of 2017 after the former First Baptist Christian Academy closed at that location.

Since that time, Wheeler says enrollment has grown over 50-percent to some 64 students, and the school has been recognized as an official school by the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois High School Association.

Wheeler added the school has lots of momentum to continue attracting students for the faith-based curriculum it offers, saying the student to teacher ratio being 8 to one allows lots of one-on-one learning.

Faith Bible Christian Academy’s high school soccer team won third place in the state among Illinois Christian Schools’ competition, and made it into the I-H-S-A sectionals.

Wheeler said the schools’ goals include continued strong growth, lower tuition costs, and improving technology for students.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

On October 27th at 10:21 at night, Christian County 911 received a report of a vehicle and pedestrian traffic crash near 1241 North on 1350 East Road in Taylorville Township. The crash involved 30 year old Laura Wolfe of Taylorville, and 22 year old Connor Lingl of Taylorville.

According to the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, the preliminary investigation showed that Wolfe was driving northbound on 1350 East road near 1241 North when she struck Lingl who was walking on the roadway. Lingl was transported to Taylorville Memorial Hospital before being transferred to Springfield Memorial Hospital. Lingl was later pronounced dead at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

The Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, Christian County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office are investigating.

This week is Halloween, and that means it is time to prepare for trick or treating across central Illinois. These are the trick or treating times in your local communities.

Taylorville is on the 30th and 31st from 5 to 8 in the evening.
Pana is on the 30th and 31st from 5 to 8 in the evening.
Shelbyville is on the 31st from 5 to 8 in the evening.
Hillsboro is on the 30th and 31st from 6 to 8 in the evening.
Findlay is on the 31st from 6 to 8 in the evening.
Cowden is on the 31st from 6 to 8 in the evening.
Edinburg is on the 30th and 31st from 6 to 9 in the evening.
Nokomis is on the 30th and 31st from 6 to 8 in the evening.
Clinton is on the 31st from 5 to 8 in the evening.
Monticello is on the 31st from 5 to 8 in the evening.
Lincoln is on the 31st from 5 to 8 in the evening.
And Forsyth is on the 31st, there is no start time, but trick or treating ends at 8 in the evening.

Congressman Rodney Davis has represented the 13th District of Illinois in D.C. since 2013 and he is asking for your support as he is up for reelection this year.

While trying to manage his reelection campaign Davis has also been busy with trying to figure out a Farm Bill that works for both parties. With the Conference Committee was not able to reach an agreement before the Farm Bill expired the current Bill will be extended.

Davis says his team has been out an about in all 14 counties in the 13th District urging residents to come out and vote and help keep D.C. trending in the right direction.

Davis made promises to voters when he first ran for congress in 2013. He is a man of his word as has been able to follow through on those promises he made.

Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Taylorville held its annual Mission Carnival during the school day last Friday, October 26th. Principal Cathy Robertson says that the school had a wonderful day despite the rain.

Robertson explains why they raise money for the Missionary Child Hood Association, and it is to help families, that are in need of help due to poor living conditions across the world.

The Mission Carnival lasted most of the school day, and Saint Mary’s Catholic School was right on par with the money they raised last year.

The NRA wants to continue to protect the Second Amendment which is the right to keep and bare arms.

Vicky McMahon is with the NRA Christian County Affiliate, they want to let Christian County residents know that there will be a question when voters are casting their ballots asking if there should or should not be more gun restrictions from the Illinois General Assembly.

The NRA Christian County NRA Affiliate sees this as a great way to get Christian County voices heard in the General Assembly McMahon shares the idea behind this preposition getting on the ballot.

On Monday night, October 29th, the Taylorville School Board held a public hearing at the Stonington Elementary cafeteria to discuss what the future of the building will be. Over the last several months, the idea of closing the Stonington building has been discussed by the board, and the discussion was opened up to the public Monday night. After roughly two hours of public comments and concerns, the school board voted unanimously to grant time for a task force to be formed to explore possible options to keep Stonington open. President of the School Board, Jim Andruch, says that the beginning of the meeting, there was a lot of emotion, but at the end of the day the board will do what the public wants.

Andruch guesses that it will take sometime around 2 months to put together the task force.

This was a special meeting held by the Taylorville School Board, they meet regularly on the second Monday of every month.

A new gym is on its way to Taylorville. It’s called Get Yourself Motivated Gym, and their co-owner Kerry Martin, originally from Texas, says that they decided to bring their gym to Taylorville abased off demographics that they found.

Martin and her husband Kendall are the owners of the gym, and they started this company because of their growing appreciation for fitness, and healthy lifestyle. One of their goals is to help people find a gym that meets their expectations, but without cost.

Martin is hoping for opening day to come the second week of December, it is just a matter of having all the equipment ready to go.

A Christian County man is bringing home one of the highest honors in FFA.

21-year old Ben Curtin, of Taylorville, was named the 2018 Star in Agribusiness winner at the 91st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Curtin was selected due to the success of his business, Curtin's Creations, which he started as a project as a member of the Taylorville FFA chapter. Curtin says the business came about from his experience working on the family farm.

The business has been so successful, that Curtin has kept it up while attending college at Purdue. He says technology has made it possible...

Curtin credits the FFA experience with building his business acumen, and says his FFA advisors were very influential.

Following graduation from Purdue, Curtin has taken a full time position at GSI in Assumption, but plans to continue to operate Curtin's Creations.

Curtin was also the FFA Star in Agribusiness Award winner for the state of Illinois in 2015. His parents are Susan and Steve Curtin. His FFA advisors at Taylorville High School are Sue Schafer (SHAY-fer) , Katie King and Elise Hackett.

Ben Curtin joins esteemed company. Only sixteen American Star Award finalists from throughout the U.S. were nominated by a panel of judges who then interviewed the finalists during the national convention and expo. Four were named winners and received cash awards totaling $4,000. All American Star finalists received a $2,000 cash award.

Beth Musser is running to stay in office as the Shelby County Treasurer. She is hoping everyone can make it out to the polls on November 6th to cast their vote. As a native of Shelbyville for her entire life Musser just wants to do all she can to help the growth of the community.

Musser says this is not always an easy job with the busy schedule she has to keep up with. While it may be tedious at times Musser would not want any other job.

Musser appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show live from our downtown Shelbyville studios.

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office reported to Regional Radio News that at approximately 1:13 in the afternoon, Christian County 911 received a report of a two vehicle crash on Christian County Highway a quarter mile south of Township Road 1000 North in Johnson Township.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Camren Neisler, 18, of Nokomis, and Zachary Rhodes, 29, of Taylorville were involved in the accident. Neisler was heading North Bound on Christian County Highway 1, and Rhodes was southbound on Christian County Highway 1 pulling a trailer. Neisler had crossed the center line and struck the Rhodes’ pickup truck and trailer. According to Christian County Coroner Amy Winnans, Neisler was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, Christian County Sheriff’s Office and the Christian County Coroner’s Office is investigating the crash.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital held their annual “My Day” field trip for local first graders. It is a trip that teaches students about living healthy lives, and nearly 200 students attended this year. TMH Administrative Secretary, Melissa Thomas, says TMH has held this event for more than 30 years.

Along with that, students were also taught about look alike drugs, and many other things. Healthy eating eating choices were also taught in addition to everything else. More specifically, slow, go, and whoa foods.

Thomas says the overall goal of the field trip, is to teach children how to live an overall healthy lifestyle, and to take away the fear of coming to a hospital.

Students also got to see inside an ambulance, and were taught about the importance of exercise.

As a part of Illinois’ bicentennial celebration, 200 veterans across the state of Illinois are going to be honored. Gerry Mahr of Mount Auburn was nominated, and selected to be one of those 200 veterans. Mahr says that the selection was not just for his time served, but things that he has done for his local community working at the Senior Citizens Center.

While serving in the military, Mahr actually served multiple branches.

As far as being selected, Mahr said that it is very humbling, but believes that many others throughout the state are just as deserving.

The honorees will be featured guests at the Bicentennial Party Gala, which will be held at Chicago’s United Center.

On October 25th, a crowd gathered as emergency vehicles, and equipment were parked outside of the Taylorville Police Department. It was a showcase of emergency equipment that would be available to the Taylorville Police Department in case there every was an emergency situation, or threat. Phil McCarty was displaying a radio tower that is used to help multiple units communicate with one another.

There was also a hazardous device unit on display. It is essentially a large truck used specifically for situations involving potential bomb threats. Ron Lewis from the Illinois Secretary State Police explains more.

Lewis mentioned a robot, and he was not kidding. The truck comes complete with a robot that can assist in disposal, or inspection of bombs.

Tom Chi was showing off the mobile operations center from springfield, and it has all sorts of technology inside to assist with multiple departments.

All of this equipment was on display outside of the Taylorville Police Department Thursday morning, October 25th.

Seth McMillan is the Republican Candidate for the 48th District of Illinois in the State Senate. Recently negative fliers have been making their way around the District saying that McMillan tried to pad his own pockets while on the Taylorville School Board.

McMillan says these claims are false. He is disappointed that his opponent would try to take this tactic in the election as McMillan feels at least he has ran a clean campaign.

While on the school board McMillan’s company did some work for the school that was done at cost for no profit to McMillan and proved in an open session.

With election day right around the corner McMillan wants to let the people know why he should be the new State Senator of the 48th District of Illinois.

According to Illinois State Police, there was a fatal accident on October 24th at 1:37 in the afternoon in Assumption. The accident involved two drivers, an 84 yer old female of Auburn, and 64 year old John Brophy of Rankin.

According to the preliminary traffic crash investigation, the female was traveling westbound on Christian County Road 6 approaching the route 51 intersection. Brophy was traveling southbound on route 51 approaching County Road 6. The female entered the intersection, and was struck by Brophy’s vehicle. The female driver and her passenger, an 87 year old male, were injured. The passenger was transported to Pana Community Hospital, and the female driver was air lifted to an area hospital for treatment of injuries.

According to Christian County Coroner Amy Calvert Winans, the 87 year old was Ross McNaught of Auburn, and he was pronounced dead at Pana Community Hospital at 2:37 in the afternoon.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about a new social services agency serving Christian County, during their weekly luncheon Tuesday.

Shelby County Community Services, also known as S-C-C-S, has now opened its doors in Taylorville at 508 West Spresser Street providing services to Taylorville and the surrounding area. Amy Carey, SCCS Program coordinator; and Natalie Cloe, SCCS Senior Counselor; both appeared sharing how they’re helping residents in Christian County.

The effort to move services to the Taylorville area was driven by a request from Kemmerer Village to have the services offered by SCCS to be available in Christian County.

The organization provides services to both adult and youth focusing on substance abuse assistance. They also provide drug testing for several agency’s.

A wide variety of insurance is accepted along with several managed care systems. Funding for SCCS is provided by grants, Medicaid and self pay.

SCCS also assists clients with life skills such as grocery shopping and budgeting.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

With midterms now officially a thing of the past at Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville students will get back into their regular schedule until finals.

Dee Krueger is the Director of Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville. She says they have a two week event on campus starting November 1st that brings in canned foods and the winning class gets a pizza party.

This is the 3rd or 4th year of this canned food event at Lincoln Land Community College in Taylorville. Krueger says it has been very successful in the past with them filling up whole trucks worth of canned food.

Recently, CTI opened up a new building in Hillsboro, and they are looking forward to the benefits it will provide both them, and their customers. Co-owner Billy Williams says they are looking forward to becoming a part of the Hillsboro and Nokomis community.

Williams says that initial reaction on the new building has been good so far with a steady amount of customers stopping by.

Both Williams and his co-owner Adam Vocks started CTI not too long after graduating high school, and Williams says they never thought their company would grow into what it is today.

Vistage, the world’s leading CEO peer-advisory organization has recently announced that Troy Jansen is a nominee for the Impact Award. The award recognizes remarkable development and achievements in members of Vistage. Jansen is the General Manager of Jansen’s Heating and Air Conditioning, says he was nominated from his peers who feel that he is worthy of the award.

Jansen says he is both proud, and humbled, after receiving the nomination.

Jansen’s Heating and Air continues to be proud of the customers they serve, and Jansen is proud to call himself the General Manager.

HSHS Central Illinois is working with local county clerks’ offices to help hospitalized patients vote. Participating location include HSHS St. John’s in Springfield, St. Mary’s in Decatur, St. Francis in Litchfield, and Good Shepherd in Shelbyville. Erica Johnson, Communications Manager for the HSHS Central Illinois Division Hospitals, says they want to give patients opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

This will be the first election season that HSHS is providing this service since it is state law that patients have the opportunity to vote.

If a patient, or family member has any questions, they are encouraged to reach out to their local county clerk’s office.

The Gateway Foundation is located all throughout Central Illinois with the hope of helping those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

Mindy Melton is an Outreach Coordinator with the Gateway Foundation. There are multiple ways to contact the Gateway Foundation if you need help, Melton says there are even location to help adolescents.

Melton says the program is one of the most effective in Central Illinois. She is very proud of that statistic and hopes that when people do get help, they leave and do not end up relapsing and needing to come back.

Author of “Coal Tar”, Bill Clutter, preformed a live reading of an excerpt from his book at the Taylorville Public Library on October 22nd. “Coal Tar” tells the true story of how a government agency allowed coal tar to mix with Taylorville’s air, water, and soil causing an epidemic of neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. Clutter is not only the author of the book, but he was the private investigator on the case. He relives the story, and explained it all with Regional Radio News.

Clutter says that he believes people who read his book could be left surprised, and angered.

Clutter also mentions that a lesson to be taken away in his book is that America is still a democracy, and people’s voices can still be heard.

With Halloween just around the corner, the American Red Cross wants to remind trick or treaters to be safe when going door to door. Maria Henneberry with the Red Cross says there is more to safety than just watching for cars.

One tip that Henneberry suggests, is to make sure that an adult checks all of those Halloween goodies before they are eaten.

Other tips include not wearing costumes that are too dark, and makre sure that children only visit houses with their porch light on.

John Shimkus has served as the representative of the 15th District of Illinois since 1996 and he has no intentions of leaving office as he is running for re-election.

Shimkus has been working hard lately on the Safe Drinking Water Act as he is trying to make sure that rural Illinois areas are not forgotten about when it comes to clean drinkable water.

Shimkus says this is a two step process to get this program put through Washington. Step one is authorizing the program and laying out what it is intended to do, the second step is coming up with the necessary funding to make sure the program is a success.

Shimkus wants to continue to fight for the 15th District of Illinois, he shares why he should continue to be the voice of the 15th District.

Judge Paisley in Taylorville and State Attorney Mike Havera are aware of the drug addiction problem in Central Illinois.

Mayor Barry says thanks to Paisley and Havera the Taylorville Police Department is now a Safe Passage. Drug abusers can stop by the police department and drop off their illegal drugs and get the help they need without fear of being arrested.

Mayor Barry urges residents that if there is anyone you know that could use this help do not hesitate to stop by. 6 residents have been helped recently and all are in rehab trying to get back on track.

National Drug Take Back Day is going to be this October 27th, and it is a day when people should clean out their cabinets of any expired drugs. Taylorville Police Chief Brian Hile says there are several reasons to properly dispose of any expired drugs.

There is a drop box at the police station where drugs can be disposed of, and Hile says it helps keep them off the streets.

National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday October 27th, and the drop off location will be at the Walgreen's in Taylorville and the Taylorville Police Department.

On Monday night, October 22nd, the Taylorville Community Pleasure Driveway and Park District Board of Trustees held their monthly meeting at Manners Park in the office board room. The meeting began with the approval of the September 24th, 2018 minutes which were approved by the board. Following that was the treasurer's report which announced that the Park District’s beginning balance as of August 31st was $806,226.44, and the balance as of September 30th was $912,499.21. Then, there was a presentation of Manners Park Playground Bids. There were 5 bids in total, and many of the submissions provided multiple options. After Bailey Hancock displayed all of the different options, the board scheduled a special meeting for October 30th where they will make a decision on what playground to bring to Manners Park. Hancock was thrilled with the playground bids the district received.

Infact, Hancock says that the bids for a new playground were so good that it is going to be difficult to make a decision.

The new playground is planning to be in place by 2019. Next, the board reviewed the Taylorville Sewer Department Easement Contract, and made some corrections before they approved it unanimously. The maintenance report followed, and a new roof on the concession stand was finished since the last meeting. Following that, was the finance committee report, and then the meeting was adjourned.

The Taylorville Parks District meets on the fourth Monday of every month.

October 18th was the first every Christian County Youth Sports Fair. It was an event that allowed parents, and their children, get a chance to learn about all the different youth sports around Central Illinois. Julie Solliday, who hosted the event, says that it was a great success. They are even planning on doing one this spring, for the spring sports.

Solliday says that she is going to try and do this on an annual basis now, while having one fair in the fall, and another in the spring. She also has a few people to thank, for helping put the event together.

The Fair was last Thursday, and Solliday is hoping to hold the spring fair sometime in February.

The Taylorville Public School Foundation has played a large role in funding for Taylorville’s Public Schools. Board member Jarred Rahar (Rare) says the foundation was formed back in 1996, and has since grown a lot.

The foundation does a lot of fundraising to help provide for Taylorville Schools. Rahar shared many of the different fundraisers they hold with Regional Radio News.

With all of the money going back into the school systems, the Taylorville Public School Foundation has played a role in many different projects.

The Taylorville Public School Foundation held their most recent fundraiser October 11th for McTeacher’s night.

The NewsTalk WTIM Central Illinois Family Dentisry Big Smile for the Community for the month of October is The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest Committee. The Committee worked tirelessly year round to put together the annual Chillifest the first weekend of October, and it was a success. Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle said it took all 23 committee members to put the weekend together.

Hornbuckle says that her favorite part about it, is seeing how much everyone comes together to enjoy the weekend.

Hornbuckle, and the rest of the Chillifest committee are Central Illinois Family Dentistry “Big Smile for the Community” for the month of October.

Central Illinois Residents are affected every day by substance abuse, whether it is themselves going through it or a loved one that they see struggling.

Mindy Melton is an outreach coordinator with the Gateway Foundation. She wants to make residents aware that there is help available and they have a program dedicated to getting youth on the right tracks.

A chief concern for those struggling with substance abuse could be how exactly they will pay for the help they need. Melton says that there are multiple payment options including health insurance coverage.

Melton sees employees that struggle with substance abuse and shy away from help thinking they could lose their job. This is not the case as it is their job is protected as they work on their addiction.

The Taylorville Fire Protection District (TFPD) and the City of Taylorville have reached an agreement. Taylorville Fire Chief Mike Crews is pleased with the new agreement, and is looking forward to what the future holds.

TFPD is also going to help with the purchase of a new firetruck for the Taylorville Firedepartment. Crews looks forward to how they will benefit from the new purchase over, what he says, could be the next 30 years.

Crews is looking forward to the new truck, as well as continuing the City’s relationship with the TFPD.

The Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Business after hours was October 17th, and Rosati’s was the host. The new restaurant has not opened its doors yet, but the franchise owner Peggy Brandon says there is nothing like Rosati’s Pizza.

Brandon, who grew up in Taylorville is looking forward to bringing Rosati’s to the city. Owning the restaurant is going to be a semi-retirement project.

Brandon still does not have a firm date on when Rosati’s will open, but she is looking forward for that day to arrive.

United Way is getting ready to campaign to help raise money for their 26 agencies in Christian County. Ashley Basso with United Way says this is something they begin to do every Fall season.

One point that United Way really likes to focus on while campaigning, is spreading awareness to residents that some local agencies are in need of funding. Basso says that not all people may realize that funding is necessary, and they try to spread that awareness.

United Way helps fund raise for a total of 26 agencies not just in Taylorville, but all of Christian County.

On Wednesday night the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce and all Chamber Members, had the opportunity to head over to Rosati’s Pizza for Business After Hours.

Patty Hornbuckle is the CEO of the Chamber, she says this event went great with nearly 100 people stopping by to see the new restaurant that was hosting the event for the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation.

The Vice President of the Board for the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation spoke at the event. Hornbuckle says residents may be unaware of exactly just how much the School Foundation does for the community.

Rebecca Livingston with the U of I Extension Program recently added on to her job title of 4-H Coordinator as she now is in charge of Ag Lit as well. As 4-H Coordinator she is hoping to see plenty of familiar smiling faces at Achievement Night on November 2nd. This event is meant to be a celebration of all the accomplishments for the year.

Livingston says last year the turnout was more than they could have imagined with nearly 100 people attending the event. If you have yet to register Livingston wants you to know that there is still time to do so.

Last week, the Christian County Board added a new a liquor license classifaction. The new classification allows for the sale of alcohol by a vendor at a special event in the unincorporated parts of Christian County. Karen Beck who owns the Barn at Bridge Out holds a lot of vendor events.

With the new liquor license classification, Beck is looking forward to what this allows her business to do.

Congressmen Rodney Davis, representing the 13th District of Illinois is trying to use the farm bill to help those get the training they need for a future job. Davis says there are jobs available for those seeking employment, but sometimes they lack the proper qualifications, and he hopes the Farm Bill can change that.

Davis says that this should help families get out of the cycle of poverty, and help them earn a well paying salary.

Pana Community Hospital knows that October is breast cancer awareness month, and they want to help promote mammograms. Melissa Rybolt with PCH talks about the contest that can be entered this month if you schedule a mammogram.

Getting a mammogram is important for women because it could detect breast cancer at an early state. Rybolt even goes as far to say that it could be life saving.

In order to be eligible, just call PCH during the month of October to schedule a mammogram.

October 18th is National Credit Union Day, and Taylorville Community Credit Union is looking to give back to the community. TCCU President and CEO Will Perkins, says they are going to celebrate what it means to be a credit union.

Perkins says that it is important to show their appreciation for there members, and TCCU’s philosophy is people helping people.

National Credit Union day will be at TCCU at 422 West Main Cross in Taylorville. The event is from 11 in the morning to 1 in the afternoon.

The Taylorville Police and Fire Departments are holding a Halloween Party on October 30th. It is a family friendly event that is going to hold fun activities for kids and families. Assistant Fire Chief Andy Goodall says they started the event last year, and brought it back again.

There will also be food available, and a few giveaways for participants.

The Halloween party is at the Taylorville Fire Department from 5 in the afternoon until 7 in the evening.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about the Taylorville Food Pantry during their weekly luncheon Tuesday.

Amy Hagen and Pam Moses are co-directors of the Taylorville Food Pantry, which is overseen by the Taylorville Ministerial Association. The pair talked about the increasing number of people they’re serving, and how they are stretching both donated dollars and donated food to provide for more needy in the community.

Hagen told the Kiwanis Club that 20 to 30-percent of those served by the local food pantry are children, and added that since CEFS moved to a different location and was unable to continue its food pantry, the Taylorville Food Pantry has seen more demand from residents thru-out Christian County.

Hagen said the pantry’s new building and location behind the Driver’s License Station on East Main Cross, has enabled the Taylorville Food Pantry to serve more people.

Hagen added the local pantry operates strictly on donated dollars and food.

Moses shared that some 152 households representing over 400 people, were served by the Taylorville Food Pantry in 2017. She added that so far this year, over 272 households representing over 850 individuals, have benefited from the local food pantry so far this year. Moses gave an example of why one family came to the Taylorville Food Pantry.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

Senior Life Solutions held their first art show on October 14th, featuring art works from local senior citizens. Tavia Jones, a therapist at Senior Life Solutions, says the art show went well over the weekend.

This was the first time that Senior Life Solutions held the art show, but Jones says they are planning to do it again annually. They are already beginning to brain storm ideas for next year.

Jones, and Senior Life Solutions, were happy with how the event went, and look forward to hosting again in the future.

The Taylorville Fire Department is currently taking applications for volunteer firefighters. Interested applicants must be 18 years old, have a valid Illinois Driver’s License and have a high school diploma or GED. Assistant Fire Chief Andy Goodall shares the responsibilities a volunteer may have.

Volunteer Firefighters are a great deal of help to TFD, and Goodall says it helps make everybody’s job a little bit easier.

For those who are interested in applying need to have their applications in to TFD by 4 in the afternoon on November 9th.

The Illinois State Treasurers Office has set records the past two years in terms of unclaimed property being returned to its rightful owner, and they are hoping to set a record again this year.

State Treasurer Mike Frerichs says one of his goals while in office is to return as much money as he can. He is hopeful the money will be spent at local businesses as well to help the economy.

Frerichs says the Money Match Program is now a full go, and with this program they are making it easier than every to get your unclaimed property. The Treasurers Office will mail the unclaimed property to its rightfull owner as long it is less than $2000.

On October 15th, the Taylorville City Council met to discuss, and vote on matters regarding the city of Taylorville. First, the Youth of the Month was honored, and it was the 5th grade Taylorville JFL team. The finished their regular season 6-1, and won the conference championship. Following that the City Council voted and passed a motion allowing Attorney Rocci Romano to represent the Taylorville Fire Protection District, and Taylorville Fire Department. Also, the council passed a motion allowing Taylorville Fire Department to purchase a new firetruck replacing an old one. Mayor Bruce Barry shared more on the details.

Following that, multiple ordinances were brought up, and they all passed unanimously. Including the Sale of Personal Property Owned by TFPD, a 1993 Ford F-350 Type III Ambulance. After the ordinances were passed, Barry shared his Mayoral update which included the city wide cleanup over the weekend.

Following the Mayoral update came the committee reports. Motions were presented by the Emergency Services, Personnel, Lake and Airpot, and Water and Environmental committees and all of their motions were passed.

The Taylorville City Council meets on the first and third Monday of every month.

Chillifest has officially wrapped up and the Greater Taylroville Chamber of Commerce sees this event as once again a success this year even if the weather was not ideal.

Patty Hornbuckle is the CEO of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, she wants to take the time to thank her sponsors that make this event possible.

With Chillifest now in the rear view the Chamber keeps on moving as they are welcoming a new member to the Chamber and working to get a ribbon cutting ceremony date.

Business after hours will be this Wednesday and there is a certain pizza restaurant that is not yet open to the public but is opening its doors for business after hours and chamber members who come out to the event.

HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital has recently installed a new Carestream Q-Rady DRX digital X-ray System that will help improve x-rays for their patients. Glenda Plunkett with HSHS, on the benefits of having the new equipment.

Plunkett says that it will also allow doctors to give x-rays to patients while standing, making it more beneficial.

HSHS Good Shepherd is hoping that the new equipment is going to help better satisfy the needs of their patients.

October 11th, was McTeacher’s night last week. It is a night when the McDonalds in Taylorville uses a portion of what they sell to donate the Taylorville Public School foundation. Shirely Shaw who is with the foundation, said that it was a very successful night.

Shaw also mentioned where the foundation will send the money that was fund raised during McTeachers night.

McTeachers night was last Thursday, and a lot of school faculty participated.

Landmark of Taylorville was honored at halftime of Friday night’s Taylorville football game for donating $963 to the Tornado Sports Boosters during last years boys and girls basketball season. Melissa (Meh-Lisa) Livingston, with the Tornado Sports Boosters is incredibly thankful for the generosity of Landmark and what it has allowed Tornado athletics to do.

Jason Johnson of Landmark says that doing what they do is a nice way to give back to the schools.

Livingston and Johnson both appeard as guests during NewsTalk WTIM’s halftime show at the Taylorville High School Football game.

Next April, HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital is taking a mission trip to Haiti. Jean Hudson is one person in a group of 10 who is planning to make the trip. It is the first mission trip she’s going on, but she is looking forward to being immersed in a new culture, and building relationships.

The trip may not be until April, but Hudson believes that it is going to be a life changing experience.

Hudson still has a few things to do before she leaves such as updating her passport, and getting the proper shots, but she is looking forward to April.

Assumption announced today that they will be welcoming a Dollar General to their city. Mayor John Kehl is looking forward to the addition of having a Dollar General, and he says that a lot of people were involved in the process over the last 2 years.

Kehl also believes that having a Dollar General will have a positive impact on Assumption given that they do not have a grocery store.

Kehl says that they are planning for a groundbreaking in April, and hopes the store will open sometime in July or August.

We have been hearing about State Senator Andy Manar and his school funding bill becoming a law, now with some time passing we get an update as to how the law is doing.

Manar says this is a good thing and he wishes he could see more of this making sure the law is doing what it should. Manar says so far it could not be going any better as bill he sponsored and helped turn into a law is doing exactly as it should.

On the 6th of November residents will be flooding the polls top vote for multiple offices, one of them being State Senator representing the 48th District. This is the office that Manar currently holds and he shares why he should return to office for another term.

October 4th was the 42nd Annual Lake Shelbyville Eco-Meet, coordinated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Eco-Meet is an environmental competition for junior high and high schools to compete against each other at a varsity and junior varsity level. Sarah Haslett, a natural resources specialist, explains more on what the Eco-Meet is about.

This year, 39 schools competed, and that included a total of 156 students. Haslett says that she is very pleased with the turnout, but is still hoping to add more schools.

Haslett also says that the tests they give vary from year to year, but she shared some examples of what students might expect.

Crestwood came in first place in the Junior Varsity competition and Litchfield placed first at the Varsity level.

The 16th annual Cemetery Walk is happening this Sunday at Grove City Cemetery. It is a day residents are welcomed out to the cemetery to see a reenactment of the lives of some of the people buried in the cemetery.

Vauna Stahl, with the Christian County Genealogical Society, says this happens every year and Grove City was once a booming town with a rich history.

Stahl shares more as to why Grove City Cemetery was chosen saying shes always been fascinated by the city, but there is one particular event that sticks out in her mind.

Regional Radio News has learned from the Taylorville Police Department that 32 year old Algernon Perkins of Alorton, Illinois made his first appearance in Federal Court in the Southern District of Illinois on Federal charges of Interference with Commerce by Robbery. Perkins has been charged because of his role in armed robberies involving several cash stores including the one in Taylorville which was robbed on September 19th. Police Chief Brian Hile explains more on the current situation.

The charge of Interference with Commerce by Robbery carries a maximum term of incarnation of twenty years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Perkins is currently detained pending the outcome of the proceedings.

When the Taylorville Cash Store was robbed on September 19th, there were two suspects in the case. Hile says that finding the other suspect, or suspects, is part of the ongoing investigation.

This is an ongoing investigation involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the Taylorville Police Department, and other Southern Illinois Police Agencies. Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for the latest updates on Perkins, and the cash store robbery.

Republican incumbent Avery Bourne, who is State Representative of the 95th District, says that her Democratic opponent Dillon Clark has backed out of a debate being hosted by the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce in Montgomery County October 18th. According to Bourne, Clark had confirmed he would participate in the debate, but has decided to change his mind. Bourne shared these thoughts in a Letter to the Editor, her statement on the letter.

Clark shared a statement from his side, and says that he is planning to be at another debate, not backing out.

This is in response to a Letter to the Editor that Bourne wrote, and is posted on the Letters tab on Taylorvilledailynews.com.

Edinburg High School is hosting a community blood drive October 22nd. The blood drive is a good opportunity for people to donate blood, but also help out the school. Krista Jiroutek with the Central Illinois Community Blood Center says that if the school has enough donors, it could help them become grant eligible.

Edinburg hosts this blood drive twice a year, and all donors will receive a free T-shirt.

The blood drive is October 22nd at the high school from 12:30 in the afternoon until 6:30 in the evening.

On Tuesday night the Taylorville School Board met with plenty to discuss. Among the many topics was the Fiscal School Year Audit, which was presented by Adam Mathais.

Superintendent of Taylorville Schools Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau says the audit was very clean and everything checked out okay.

The audit revealed that the district saw and increase in revenue of $2.3 million with an expenditure increase of $1.3 million for a net income of just over $700,000. Fuerstenau shares what the plans are for with the extra money left over in terms of next years budget.

A blood drive is going to be held by the First Assembly of God in Shelbyville October 16th. All are encouraged to come out due to the constant need of blood donors. This according to Deb Magee of the American Red Cross.

Magee says that it is also important to donate because it can help those from across the country in need.

The blood drive is October 16th, from 2 in the afternoon until 6 in the evening.

The Taylorville Board of Education met on Tuesday night to discuss topics and issues revolving around the Taylorville School District. First off, Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau explained the $50,000 grant that the school district has been awarded to help students with their mental health at Taylorville High School. After that, Principal Matt Hutchinson spoke about Taylorville High School’s successful Career Day, and College Night last week. Also, in conjunction with Lincoln Land Community College, Taylorville High School will be able to add 5 more dual credit courses related to agriculture. Next up on Tuesday’s agenda was the presentation of the Fiscal Year School District Audit given by Adam Mathias. The audit revealed that the district saw an increase in revenue of $2.3 million, and an increase in expenditures of $1.3 million. Overall the district had a net income just over $700,000. The motion to accept the report cleared unanimously. Following that was the building committee report given by Stephen Turner. The report revolved around current, and projected enrollment numbers, and its impact on the Stonington building. In the building committee’s findings, they found that they currently have too many classrooms, and not enough students to fill all those classrooms. The final breakdown is that it would cost less, and save the district money if the board decides to close Stonington. Fuerstenau spoke more on what is next for Stonington, and the upcoming public forum regarding the building.

After that the committee went in to a closed session discussing the appointment, employment, and dismissal of employees of the public body or legal counsel of the public body. Following that was the superintendent report, and then adjournment.

The Taylorville School Board meets on the second Monday of every month.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard about the Missions for Taylorville organization, during their weekly luncheon Tuesday.

Ed Legg is coordinator of Missions for Taylorville, which is a non-profit organization that organizes volunteers in June and September of each year, to help Taylorville homeowners that don’t have the money, or can’t physically do the work, to do repairs around their home.

Legg said the idea for the organization came from the late Chris Wilson in 2009.

Wilson’s idea became reality in 2010 with one community-wide work day, and expanded to 2 work days in 2016.

Legg added that all work is done by volunteers, and the organization raises money or asks for donated material so that all material used is free to the homeowner.

Legg told the Kiwanis Club that those helped by the Missions for Taylorville group, do not need to belong to any church, and that the Missions group itself is non-denominational.

You can find information about the organization by going to their Facebook page, or on-line at missionsfortaylorville-dot-org.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

Newstalk WTIM's Christian County signal at 96-point-one FM will be off the air for up to 2 hours on Thursday afternoon starting around 4:15. Tower crews will be installing a new transmitting antenna for 96-point-one, to improve the signal's coverage.

All of newstalk WTIM's other signals on AM, FM, and on line, will remain on the air and will not be affected. Thanks for your patience while we work to improve the 96-point-one FM signal in Christian County.

Taylorville Community Unit School #3 was awarded a $50,000 grant to provide mental health care for Taylorville High School Students. It’s called the Department of Justice STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program grant, and U.S. Representative Rodney Davis, and Taylorville Superintendent Dr. Gregg Fuerstenau announced the grant on Tuesday morning. The two explained what they hope the grant will provide current and future students. Fuerstenau says that a portion of the money will allow students access to a counselor.

Christian County Mental Health is also going to work with Taylorville High School in promoting student’s mental health. Sue Paso, the Clinic Manager for Christian County Mental Health, says the purpose of the grant is to reduce the amount of students struggling mentally no matter what the issue.

Paso also says that the addition of having a counselor at Taylorville High School is going to help tremendously.

Taylorville High School and Christian County Mental Health are looking to put these changes into effect as soon as possible.

The Taylorville School Board is holding their monthly meeting tonight at 7 in the evening after returning from the holiday weekend. What is expected to be discussed Tuesday night, is what the school board would like to do with the Stonington building. Last week, the building committee voted by a vote of 2-1 to close Stonington, and now it will be put into a motion during Tuesday’s meeting. This is according to Steve Turner, who will be called upon at the meeting to discuss the Building Committee’s thoughts on their vote.

Regional Radio News will cover the meeting for the latest report, and the whole meeting can be watched the next day on YouTube on WTIMTV’s channel.

Chillifest was this last weekend on the Taylorville square, and it brought in chili cooks from all across the country to compete in this years cook off. Each cook has a different story as to why they began cooking chili, and where they come from, but they all come together for a good weekend of fun on the Taylorville Square. Jim Weller is from Illinois, and he has been cooking chili since 1983, and it all started because a friend entered him in a contest.

Weller has seen success cooking chili at the world competition, and so has his wife. He also cooked two different types of chili this time around at Chillifest including the new home style category.

Two cooks from California made their way to Taylorville for Chillifest over the weekend as well. Ken and Chuck were the two cooks from the west coast, and Ken shared that they wanted to come out and learn some of the styles of how chili is cooked in the mid-west.

His partner Chuck was crowned a world champion back in 2016, and he talked about some of the differences he noticed in mid-west chili compared to what he normally cooks on the West Coast.

The 2018 Chamber Chillifest was this past weekend on the Taylorville Square.

Scarecrow Daze took place this last weekend in downtown Shelbyville, and it brought together a great crowd. Derek Hayden, President of the Chamber Board, says the turnout for this years Scarecrow Daze was great.

Balloon Fest also took place with Scarecrow Daze. The two go hand in hand as Scarecrow Daze takes place during the day and Balloon Fest is in the morning, and afternoon. Kevin Bernson with Balloon Fest said that despite the weather, they had a successful year flying balloons.

Scarecrow Daze and Balloon Fest was this past Saturday at downtown Shelbyville.

Taylorville Memorial Hospital is now going to offer CT lung screenings. Radiology Manager Doug Ferrill, says that with the screenings, TMH hopes that it can help detect lung cancer earlier because it is one of the most common forms of the disease.

There is specific criteria that makes people eligible for the lung screenings. Ferrill explains what those are.

The lung screenings are an addition that TMH hopes to help detect cancer earlier in patients.

Central Illinois Smiles Family Dentistry moved out of their temporary office to their newly remodeled offices on West Main Cross. The renovations allowed them to double their size, and Dr. Amanda Lewis is thrilled to have the extra space, and new treatment rooms.

There are still some things that need to be refined in the new offices, but Lewis is confident that they will continue to like the renovated offices as time goes on.

Lewis also mentioned that they are planning to have an open house of the new offices coming up during the holiday season.

Winners were announced Sunday in the International Chilli Society Centrral States Chilli Cookoff, during the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

In the traditional red chilli cookoff, first place winner getting 750-dollars and a banner, was Ken Hook of California. Second place winner receiving 200-dollars and a certificate, was Jill Simmons of Missouri, and third place winner getting 100-dollars and a certificate was Maureen Barrett of Illinois.

In chilli verde judging Sunday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest, first place was won by Lloyd Weir of Normal, Illinois, receiving 400-dollars and a banner. Second place winner was Chuck Harber of California, getting 150-dollars and a certificate, and third place winner was Lynn Virant of Nebraska who received 50-dollars and a certificate.

In homestyle chilli judging Sunday, first place went to Diane Lentz of Kentucky who received 400-dollars and a certificate. Second place went to Jeff Netser of Indiana who received 150-dollars and a certificate, and Mary Cannon of Missouri took third place, winning 50-dollars and a certificate.

In the “People’s Choice” awards, Lloyd Weir of Normal, Illinois, won the homestyle competition, Bob Dunn of Taylorville the verde competition, and Greg Virant of Nebraska the red chilli competition. All 3 will have their entry fee paid for next year’s Chillifest cook-off.

Tom Calvert again chaired both days of International Chilli Society judging at the Greater Taylorville Chillifest.

17-year-old Dariess Moreland 2018 Miss Chilli Pepper; Patty Hornbuckle, Chamber CEO; Lloyd Weir of Normal, Illinois, receiving 400-dollars and a banner; second place winner Chuck Harber of California, getting 150-dollars and a certificate; and third place winner Lynn Virant of Nebraska who received 50-dollars and a certificate; and Tom Calvert, Chillifest Cookoff chair.

-Winners were announced Sunday in the “Little Chilli Bean” baby contest at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

The contest was a “People’s Choice” contest, with the public putting money into the jar of their favorite baby.

The top 3 raising the most money, were given Chamber gift certificates.

First place went to 15-month-old Myla Martin of Taylorville, who won at 100-dollar Chamber gift certificate. Second place went to 14-month-old Myles Kater of Stonington, who won a 75-dollar Chamber gift certificate. And third place went to 9-month-old Colten Gagne of Taylorville, who won a 50-dollar Chamber gift certificate.

People’s Bank and Trust again sponsored the “Little Chilli Bean” contest. Proceeds raised from the contest helps the Chamber pay for the Chillifest event.

Raffle winners were drawn at the conclusion of the 2018 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest. Over 30 prizes were drawn, including a gun.
Here's the list of winners, who can claim their prize starting Tuesday at the Chamber office above U-S Bank during regular business hours:

The first day of International Chilli Society-sanctioned judging at the 2018 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, had winners announced last Saturday afternoon.

The Saturday competition is called the “Chillinois” Cookoff. In red chilli, first place went to Jeff Netzer of Indiana, who won 750-dollars and a banner. Second place went to Cathy Schmedeke from Clinton, Illinois, who won 200-dollars and a certificate. Third place winner in red was Jill Simmons of Missouri, who won 100-dollars and a certificate.

In the first-ever homestyle chilli cook-off at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest Saturday, Bob Dunn of Taylorville won first place, taking 400-dollars and a banner. Second place winner was Tonya Jester from Indiana, who received 150-dollars and a certificate. Third place winner was Julie Netzer from Indiana, who won 50-dollars and a certificate.

In verde competition Saturday, first place winner was Ken Hook from California, who won 400-dollars and a banner. Second place winner was Bob Dunn from Taylorville, who won 150-dollars and a certificate. Third place winner was Diane Lentz from Kentucky, who won 50-dollars and a certificate.

“People’s Choice Award” winners in Saturday’s chilli judging at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest, include Tonya Jester of Indiana winning in homestyle, Larry Lentz from Kentucky in verde, and Sam Hughes of Taylorville winning in red chilli. All 3 will have their 2019 entry fee paid.

Tom Calvert again chaired the I-C-S chilli cook-off for the Greater Taylorville Chamber on Saturday.

CAPTION TO ABOVE: Red chilli winners were announced in judging Saturday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest. Back row from the left: Patty Hornbuckle, Chamber CEO; first place winner Jeff Netzer of Indiana, who won 750-dollars and a banner; second place winner Cathy Schmedeke from Clinton, Illinois, who won 200-dollars and a certificate; third place winner in red Jill Simmons of Missouri, who won 100-dollars and a certificate; and Tom Calvert, Chamber chilli cook-off chair Tom Calvert.

CAPTION TO ABOVE: Winners were announced Saturday in the first-ever homestyle chilli cook-off at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest. Back row, from the left: Patty Hornbuckle, Chamber CEO: Bob Dunn of Taylorville who won first place, taking 400-dollars and a banner; Second place winner Tonya Jester from Indiana, who received 150-dollars and a certificate; third place winner Julie Netzer from Indiana, who won 50-dollars and a certificate; and Chamber chilli cook-off chair Tom Calvert.

Little Miss Chilli Pepper, Little Mister Chilli Pepper, Junior and Miss Chilli Peppers, were all crowned on Saturday during the first day of the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest.

There were 10 Miss contestants, 15 Junior Miss contestants, 20 Little Miss and 7 Little Mister contestants that marched across the stage for the judges. Brittany Moore was pageant director again this year.

17-year-old Dariess Moreland, the daughter of Ron and Erike Moreland of Edinburg, was named Miss Chilli Pepper 2018. First alternate was 16-year-old Kennedy Mann, the daughter of Adrienne and Mike Mann Frizzo of Taylorville; second alternate was 14-year-old Alaina Deal, the daughter of Phil and Teri Deal of Morrisonville. People’s Choice Award winner was 19-year-old Sierra Beck, the daughter of Kenneth Beck and Tanya Jett of Taylorville. Miss Congeniality in the Miss competition was Aliana Deal; Miss Personality was Faith Horton, the daughter of Wesley and Amanda Horton of Pana. Best Dressed in the Miss competition was Sierra Beck, and Most Photogenic was 17-year-old Carlee Phillips, the daughter of Jake and Heather Phillips of Pana. Top raffle ticket seller among the Miss contestants was Aliana Deal.

In the Junior Miss Chilli Pepper competition, 9-year-old Katelyn White, the daughter of Jennifer and Eric White of Taylorville, was crowned Junior Miss. First alternate was Alea Wagahoft, the daughter of Travis and Amy Wagahoft of Morrisonville. Second alternate was Ella Hohenstein, the daughter of Neil and Elizabeth Hohenstein of Taylorville. Miss Congeniality was eleven-year-old Hannah Chitwood, the daughter of Max and Bev Chitwood of Taylorville; Miss Personality was 9-year-old Liberty Courtaway, the daughter of Eric and Shanda Courtaway of Taylorville. Best Dressed in the Junior Miss Chilli Pepper competition was Ella Hohenstein, and Most Photogenic was also Ella Hohenstein. Top raffle ticket seller among the Junior Miss contestants was Ella Lundin, the daughter of Shannon and Drew Cowgill and Nils Lundin of Taylorville.

In the Little Miss Chilli Pepper competition at the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest Saturday, 3-year-old Carmen Vincent, the daughter of Morgan Holthaus and Eric Vincent of Taylorville, was crowned Little Miss. First alternate was 4-year-old Kylie Paine, the daughter of Kyle and Kayla Paine of Taylorville. Second alternate was Leigha Broccardo, the 3-year-old daughter of Bre Broccardo and Bruce Mansfield of Morrisonville and Illiopolis. Miss Personality was 5-year-old Charli Goodin, the daughter of Brian and Jenna Goodin of Taylorville. Best Dressed was 6-year-old Braylin Crowder, the 6-year-old daughter of Kryshna and Christian Crowder of Taylorville. Most Photogenic Carlie Buerk, the 4-year-old daughter of Eric and Cassie Buerk of Owaneco. Top raffle ticket seller among the Little Miss contestants was Kylie Paine.

And, in the Little Mister Chilli Pepper competition, 5-year-old Silas Joyce, the son of Denver and Stacie Joyce of Taylorville, was crowned Little Mister. First alternate was 5-year-old Jayce Carlile, the son of Peyton Turvey and Jason Carlile of Taylorville. Second alternate was 4-year-old Liam Swiney, the son of Whitney and Zachery Swiney of Taylorville. Mister Personality among Little Misters was 4-year-old Easton Kurt Travis Ginger, the son of Katie and Weston Ginger of Taylorville. Best Dressed was 6-year-old Keagan Michael Cruz, the son of Marion and Brook Cruz of Morrisonville. Most Photogenic was Silas Joyce.

Adrienne and Mike Mann Frizzo of Taylorville; and second alternate 14-year-old Alaina Deal, (right) the daughter of Phil and Teri Deal of Morrisonville. 2017 Miss Chilli Pepper Alison Wright is standing in the center.

CAPTION TO PHOTO ABOVE: In the Little Miss Chilli Pepper competition Saturday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, 3-year-old Carmen Vincent, (seated) the daughter of Morgan Holthaus and Eric Vincent of Taylorville, was crowned Little Miss. First alternate was 4-year-old Kylie Paine,(right) the daughter of Kyle and Kayla Paine of Taylorville. Second alternate was Leigha Broccardo, (left) the 3-year-old daughter of Bre Broccardo and Bruce Mansfield of Morrisonville and Illiopolis.

CAPTION TO PHOTO ABOVE: In the Little Mister Chilli Pepper competition Saturday at the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest, 5-year-old Silas Joyce,(seated) the son of Denver and Stacie Joyce of Taylorville, was crowned Little Mister. First alternate was 5-year-old Jayce Carlile, (right) the son of Peyton Turvey and Jason Carlile of Taylorville. Second alternate was 4-year-old Liam Swiney, (left) the son of Whitney and Zachery Swiney of Taylorville.

Rain put the Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest on hold as of 1:30 this afternoon. Chillifest Committee officials are watching the radar, and hope to be able to resume activities yet this afternoon.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio and taylorvilledailynews.com for further information.

The Taylorville School Board Building Committee voted in favor of the Stonington Closure earlier this week. This does not mean that the building is officially going to close, it still needs to be voted on by the whole school board on October 9th. Building Committee Member Steve Turner, says the decision that he made came down to looking toward decisions that were made in the past regarding building usage.

Turner says that he will bring his findings to the School Board meeting on October 9th, and from there the school board will make a decision on what they would like to do with the Stonington facility.

The vote for the Stonington Closure by the building committee passed 2-1, and now it is up to the School Board to decide what will happen next.

Welcome by Mayor Barry on the South Stage
9:00 AM Chilli available under the Chilli Tent! On the Southeast Courthouse Lawn
9:00 AM Lil' Chilli Bean Contest begins Purple & Gold Tent
9:00 AM Gun & Prize Raffle Tickets --- available for purchase Purple & Gold Tent
9:00 AM Little Miss/Little Mr./Junior Miss/Miss Pageants On the South Stage
10:00 AM 7th Annual Bags Tournament REGISTRATION Northeast Corner of Square
10:30 AM Chillinois Regional Cookoff begins East Side of Square
11:00 AM Bags FLY for the 7th Annual Bags Tournament Northeast Corner of Square
11:30 AM Chilli Eating Contest/Pie in the Face On the South Stage
12:00 Noon Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu and Taekwondo Demonstration On the South Stage/South Stage Area
1:00 PM Taylorville JH Dance Team Performance On the South Stage/South Stage Area
1:30 PM Center Point Dance Academy Performance On the South Stage/South Stage Area
2:00 PM Dexter Anodyne On the South Stage
3:00 to 5:00pm Cross Country Classics On the South Stage
4:00-4:20 PM The Dance Station Performs On the South Stage/South Stage Area
5:00 PM Cook Off Awards Presentation On the South Stage

North Stage entertainment:
12:00 Noon Cactus Ranch On the North Stage
2:00-4:00 pm Tim Zini On the North Stage

Sunday, October 7th, 2018
9:30 AM Central States Regional Cookoff East Side of the Square
10:00 AM Chilli Available at Chilli Tent On the Southeast Courthouse Lawn
10:00 AM Lil' Chilli Bean Contest Continues Purple & Gold Tent
10:00 AM 7th Annual Bags Tournament REGISTRATION Northeast Corner of Square
11:00 AM Bags FLY 7th Annual Bags Tournament Northeast Corner of Square
11:30 AM Sky High Tumblers Performance On the South Stage
11:45 AM 7th Annual Bags Tournament MEETING Northeast Corner of Square
12:00 NOON Taylorville High School Poms Performance On the South Stage/South Stage Area
12:15 PM TYFL & JFL Cheer Performance On the South Stage/South Stage Area
12:30 PM Taylorville Junior High Cheer Performance On the South Stage/South Stage Area
12:45 PM Taylorville High School Cheer Performance On the South Stage/South Stage Area
1:00 PM Taylorville High School Jazz Band On the South Stage
1:00 PM Lil' Chillibean Contest Ends Purple & Gold Tent
2:00 PM Antone Derocchi Performs On the South Stage
3:00 PM Lil' Chillibean Contest Results On the South Stage
3:00 PM Cody Moomey Performs On the South stage
4:30 PM Cook Off Awards Presentation On the South Stage
Raffle /Drawings to follow awards presentation On the South Stage

North Stage entertainment:
12:00 Noon Relativity Performs On the North Stage
2:00 PM Rockaholics Performs On the North Stage

Listen to all 6 Miller Media Group radio stations for complete coverage this weekend, as well as stories from the pageant and other competitive events being posted all weekend long at taylorvilledailynews.com.

On Wednesday, the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office and Sullivan Fire and Rescue responded to a two vehicle crash on Moultrie County Road 800 North just west of Moultrie County Road 1300 East. Two drivers, and a passenger were involved in the accident. The two drivers were 20 year old Albert Mokrejs of Mattoon, and 70 year old John Grooms of Sullivan. Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims shared with Regional Radio News the details of the accident.

Mokrejs was the driver of the Ford vehicle who was pronounced deceased on scene.

Rebecca Livingston with the U of I Extension Program has her hands full as she is 4H Program Coordinator and now is the newly appointed Ag Lit Program Coordinator as well.

Livingston is looking forward to the road ahead with her ag background and getting into classrooms and sharing what she knows with the students. Livingston explains some of the challenges in speaking to these students at such a young age.

Livingston is excited to get in the classrooms and she already knows how she is going to try to connect with the classroom with pumpkins.

McTeachers Night is coming up October 11th, and it is a night where the Taylorville McDonald's helps raise money for Taylorville public schools. Shirley Shaw, of the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation, says the teachers night is all about helping fund money for better classrooms.

In the past, this has helped fund STEM equipment, and materials according to Shaw.

One addition that makes McTeachers night fun, is that school faculty will actually come out and help work at the Taylorville McDonalds.

McTeachers night is October 11th, and runs from 4-8 in the evening at the Taylorville McDonalds.

The Christian County YMCA is holding its 30th Annual Fundraising Dinner Auction Friday November 9th. Those who attended last year will receive an invitation in the mail, and those who wish to go have until October 31st to ask for a reservation. Chris Weittenhiller, Christian County YMCA Executive Director, with what attendees can expect at the event.

The purpose of the auction is to help fundraise for the YMCA, and Weittenhiller says the efforts go a long way in helping memberships become affordable for as many people as possible

The auction is November 9th at the Pillars Event Center in Taylorville.

It’s homecoming week for Taylorville High School and Wednesday was the homecoming parade. Taylorville High School Principal Matt Hutchinson says the parade was one of the best turnouts ever.

Everything this homecoming leads up to Friday night’s football game against the Mattoon Green Wave, and Hutchinson says it has been a fantastic week. He’s looking forward to the game as well as all of the past high school classes coming back together for reunions.

Kickoff for Taylorville Homecoming is at 7 in the evening. Pregame coverage, and the call, can be heard on NewsTalk WTIM at 6:45

Currently the Christian County Coal Miners Museum is sharing an office with a local dentist in Taylorville.

Chuck Martin is the Executive Director of the Coal Miners Museum. He wants to thank Dr. Paul A Pladziewicz for allowing them to set up shop, but Martin admits it is a little difficult without regular hours.

Martin is excited to announce that the Christian County Coal Miners Museum will have a booth at Chillifest this weekend. Martin encourages residents to stop on by and purchase a plaque with all proceeds going to the museum.

This week is homecoming week for Taylorville High School, and all sorts of festivities are leading up to what should be an exciting Friday night. Taylorville High School Principal Matt Hutchinson says that homecoming week is about so much more than just Friday’s football game.

However, there is still a lot to look forward to in Friday’s game with the turf being on display for its first homecoming. Hutchinson says its should bring a good crowd out.

Taylorville’s homecoming football game kicks off at 7 in the evening on Friday. Pregame coverage can be heard on NewsTalk WTIM beginning at 6:45.

Coming up October 18th is the first ever Christian County Youth Sports Fair. The goal, is to help introduce youth to sports in the surrounding area. Julie Solliday, who is organizing the sports fair, hopes the fair helps other youth sports expand their programs, and show parents what other programs are available for their kids.

Solliday says that at the fair, there will be various tables set up, and a different sport being represented at each one.

The job fair is from 5 to 7 in the evening, and for any questions or concerns you can contact the sports fair at 820-6611 or email ccyouthsportsfair@gmail.com.

A weekend full of fun and chilli happens this weekend, during the 2018 Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest on the square this Saturday and Sunday.

2 days of International Chilli Society sanctioned cookoffs are the highlight of both days.

The annual Chillifest pageant to crown a new Little Miss and Little Mister Chilli Peppers, a Junior Miss Chilli Pepper, and a Miss Chilli Pepper, starts at 9 Saturday morning on the south stage, right after the opening ceremony.

Entertainment on the south stage during the 2-day event includes junior and senior high dance and pom pom teams, country music, tumblers, the Taylorville High School Jazz Band, and much more. Entertainment on the north stage takes place both days from noon to 4pm, with several different bands performing including Cactus Ranch, Tim Zini, Relativity, and Rockaholics.

This year’s Greater Taylorville Chillifest Bags Tournament offers some 5-thousand dollars in prize money between the 2 days of competition on the northeast corner of the square.

And, there’s over 100 arts and crafts’ booths, the popular Kids’ Zone is back, and Conner Family Amusement carnival rides are also back.

For the complete schedule, go on-line to chillifest-dot-info, that’s chillifest with 2-L’s.

For the past month we have been keeping an eye on Washington to see if there was any update on how the new Farm Bill was coming along. Now, we have our answer.

Congressman Rodney Davis represents the 13th District of Illinois in Washington. He says it is incredibly unfortunate that the two sides could not come to an agreement by the end of September deadline.

Davis realizes that farmers in Central Illinois are now worried about the uncertainty going forward. Davis wants to reassure that nothing will change for farmers currently, all the programs from the previous Farm Bill will carry over.

The City of Taylorville discovered during a city meeting last week, that the city is in a deficit of roughly $400,000. Alderman Larry Budd shared with Regional Radio News how the city got to it’s current position financially.

A 6 figure deficit may not sound very good, but the city of Taylorville is currently waiting to receive outside payments that should bring things back to even according to Budd.

Budd did admit however, that some of the reason for the deficit is due to money spent towards the TIF district, but that money should be coming back in the future.

As the calendar turns to October Hunger Action Month comes to an end. The folks at Central Illinois Foodbank had plenty on their plates for Hunger Action Month.

Public Relations Specialist with the Central Illinois Foobank Ashley Earnest is already looking forward to this time next year. She shares more on what Hunger Action Month is all about.

During Hunger Action Month this year Central Illinois Foodbank celebrated Hunger Action Day with their event Rock Against Hunger. Earnest recalls how great of a time everyone had and how pleased she was with the turnout.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club inducted a new member, and held their monthly business meeting, during their weekly luncheon Tuesday.

Mellisa McMillan, manager of the Christian County Farm Bureau, was inducted as the newest Kiwanis Club member, by Kiwanis president-elect Sarah Van Huss.

Perfect attendance awards were presented by Kiwanis member Dick Wamsley, to Larry Kemner for 6 years of perfect attendance; Will Perkins for 3 years of perfect attendance; and Harriet Morrissey for one year of perfect Kiwanis meeting attendance.

Morrissey, who is also the club’s “Priority One” chair, announced that the Kiwanis Club’s annual “Coats for Kids” will benefit the local Head Start program later this month.

Kiwanis Builders and Key Club chair Will Perkins announced that this year’s Taylorville High School Kiwanis Key Club has some 33 members. The Key Club is doing their annual UNICEF “Trick or Treat” fund drive for overseas children.

Kiwanis Park Committee chair Jerry Woodard reported that further improvements are being made at the park restrooms.

And, Kiwanis treasurer Judy Prasun reported that last weekend’s Kiwanis Peanut Days fund-raiser grossed the club before expenses, over 3-thousand dollars with more donations coming in.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium. For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.

The Senior Life Solutions Program has been a part of Taylorville Memorial Hospital for the last 5 years.

Tavia Jones is a therapist with the program and has been for the past two years. She says this is a very rewarding program to be a part of and explains more what the program is all about.

This program is here to help senior citizens, currently the class sits at 6 but they are always welcoming more. Jones wants residents to know how to get involved if they need and that there is no cap on the amount of senior citizens they can take.

The Christian County Senior Citizens Center has a busy month of October coming up.

Gerry Mahr with the Christian County Senior Citizens Center says they have an open house coming up on the 20th that is a minor fundraiser and a way to get people in the doors to see what the center is all about.

Mahr wants residents to also be aware of a flu shot the Senior Citizens Center will be offering coming up on the 4th for sure and possibly again on the 16th.

The Taylorville City Council held the first of their two monthly meetings on Monday night. First addressed was the volunteer of the month who is James Smith for his work assisting with music in the Taylorville community. Next the city voted on an ordinance Authorizing the City of Taylorville to Enter into Certain Annexation Agreements, that motion passed 9-0. The council then voted on an Ordinance Amending Section 3-3-5 and Adding Section 3-3-5A to the Taylorville City Code. The ordinance added Class M and Class N liquor licenses for convenience stores and prohibits video gaming signage on city property. That motion passed by a vote of 5-4 after the mayor broke the tie. Mayor Bruce Barry explains more about the motion.

Barry also mentioned that he has noticed an environment of negativity within the city, and he wants to change that.

After that, a discussion involving a salary increase for city council members was held, and a motion to increase their salaries was denied by a vote of 6-2. Once that concluded, committee reports began for the finance committee and street and sewer committee. All of their motions were passed unanimously.

The Taylorville City Council holds two meetings a month on the first and third Monday of each month.

The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Chillifest committee held their final meeting Monday night, before this weekend's event on the square Saturday and Sunday.

Sub-committee chairs reported on where they were at in finalizing their plans. Volunteers for several different duties for the Chamber on the square, are still needed, and can sign up by contacting the Chamber office at 824-4919 or stopping by their location on the 2nd floor of the U-S Bank building on the south side of the square.

Chilli judges are also still needed for 2 days of International Chilli Society-sanctioned judging. To sign up to be a judge, contact Tom Calvert at 565-2791.

The 2-day annual affair on the Taylorville square kicks off at 9 Saturday morning, and is all day Saturday and from 9:30 Sunday morning til 4:30 that afternoon.

To get more information on this year's Greater Taylorville Chamber Chillifest, click the "Chillifest" icon at taylorvilledailynews-dot-com.

We are now in the month of October, and that means Haloween is upon us. To stick with the theme, HSHS Good Shepherd and the Shelby County Senior Center are sponsoring a Thriller workout. It is a dance workout, following the exact dance from the hit Michael Jackson song, “Thriller”. This according to Glenda Plunkett of HSHS Good Shepherd.

The idea behind the dance workout is to help promote a healthy and active lifestyle, combating obesity.

The event is October 4th, free, and open to the public. It will be in Forest Park, and starts at 7 in the evening.

Lake Land College is hosting a College Fair and Career Day October 2nd. More than 1,200 junior and senior high school students will have the chance to meet with more than 40 college representatives. Tina Stowfall, the Vice President of Student Services, says that the career day is always a fun day for everyone,

Stowfall also says that this is a great opportunity for high school students to learn from both faculty, and professionals in certain career fields.

The career day is from 9:30-11:30 in the morning on October 2nd at Lake Land College’s Field House.

The Illinois Farm Bureau’s Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) program is looking for applicants. The program begins January 22nd, and is designed to teach leadership, and communication skills to its students. Melissa McMillan, FBCM Manager with more on the ALOT course.

McMillan also explains why leadership in agriculture is so important, especially in Illinois.

The program begins on January 22nd, and it is limited to just 25 participants.